Teaching and Learning Center

The TLC is open from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

We offer the following services:

• Tutoring
• Online Test Proctoring
• Make-up Test Proctoring
• Study Skills, Time Management, and Test-Taking Assistance, IC3 Testing, computer access
• Additional TLC Support through radiography and nursing workshops, TRIO workshops and classroom presentations.

What kind of help can I receive?

We offer a variety of free services and programs, including:

• Peer and professional tutoring supplied by TLC staff, qualified student tutors, and faculty volunteers
• Online test proctoring
• Study skills and test taking support
• Techniques to overcome test anxiety
• Approaches to improving time management
• MLA and APA instruction
• Make-up test administration
• Workshops
• Tutor training
• Classroom presentations

Mission Statement

The Teaching and Learning Center's Mission is:

• To promote student success by sharing our knowledge of the learning process with students, faculty, administration, and staff in a collaborative partnership for the enhancement of learning
• To promote student success by providing academic support services in requested areas

The Teaching and Learning Center's Goals are:

• To promote in each learner the skills and attitudes necessary for the attainment of academic, career, and life goals
• To enhance student retention
• To help students develop positive attitudes and confidence in their ability to learn

History of the TLC

Phase I: In August 1986, Owensboro Community and Technical College opened its doors as Owensboro Community College in Owensboro, KY. Temporarily, the college located at 9th and Frederica Streets. Simultaneously, the school's Learning Assistance Department (reading and learning assistance) opened the Learning Skills Center (LSC). Faculty member and LSC coordinator Sally Lake established the center with only one other staff member, Lisa Dickens. The two hard workers stayed day and night, creating the center and providing students with study skills, reading assistance, critical thinking aid, tutorials on videos, tutorials on cassettes, 4" floppy disk programs, floppy A programs, touch screens, and placement testing. 

Phase II: In January 1989, when the college moved to its permanent residence at 4800 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY, the Learning Skills Center followed, moving into the Learning Resource Center Building (library). Over the years, as the college grew, so did the LSC. The staff grew to four. Technology changed and grew. The LSC continued to offer videos, programs on cassettes, books, and the latest in computer aided assistance. One-on-one and group tutoring continued, as did placement testing. Due to the growth of the college, Professor Lake moved into full-time coordination of the college's reading program. 

Phase III: Since the Center had outgrown its environs, the LSC moved to the Campus Center Building. In Fall 2000, new coordinator Judy Coomes came on board. At the same time, the Center changed its name to the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) to reflect its role with faculty and students. The TLC operated with a coordinator and two Instructional Specialists, student tutors, and faculty volunteers. All staff members tutor in their specialized areas. Already a centerpiece of student activity, the Campus Center provided wider student access. In addition, with placement testing, registration, counseling, and the bookstore located in the same building, students had one-stop shopping. 
Scattered around the room were small round study/tutoring tables, twelve computer stations, which gave students access to the internet, as well as the TLC's computer assisted programs, and resource materials to assist in their work. 

Phase IV: In Fall 2008, the Teaching and Learning Center was relocated to the first floor, back left side, of the library where it continues to grow and operate today. No longer conducting COMPASS Testing, the TLC supports students involved in the retesting process by enrolling and assisting students in SkillsTutor, an online tutorial program. The TLCs services have expanded to include tutoring in multiple areas, employing all medical tutors, online proctoring, IC3 testing, workshops, GEN100 presentations, and one-on-one study skills support.

The Teaching and Learning Center's Proctored Exam Services

The TLC and Cyber Center administer proctored exams Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., with evening availability during mid-term and finals weeks.

You may schedule your proctored exam here. Please contact the Teaching and Learning Center Staff at (270) 852-8964 for personal assistance in scheduling proctored exams.

1. When scheduling an appointment, students must provide the following:
   1. Students name
   2. School email
   3. Course
   4. Instructors name
   5. Instructors college
2. Upon arriving at the TLC, present picture ID (such as a student ID or current drivers license); otherwise, permission to test will be denied.
3. Students should bring fees ($25 per testing session) associated with proctoring services for non-KCTCS schools to the TLC the day of the exam.

Our tutors help to reinforce class material, explaining it in one-on-one and group sessions. High demand areas include math, English, computer, and medical programs, such as nursing and radiography. Tutoring, based on requested areas, extends beyond these subjects too. Tutors review writing assignments, help you create good study habits, identify your learning style, help you overcome obstacles such as text anxiety, improve time management, evaluate test-taking skills, and assist with computer needs.

The Teaching and Learning Center offers free tutoring to OCTC students. We have a full-time staff along with peer tutors. We offer support in a variety of areas. See our tutoring schedule (below) for subjects, times, and availability.

Q: When should you seek a tutor?

A: Come to the TLC:

• If you are having difficulty understanding lectures
• If you are falling behind in class
• If you are performing poorly on tests
• If you want or need help with study skills
• If you want or need help preparing for a test
• If you are having trouble with homework assignments
• If you are having difficulty understanding how to make a writing outline
• If you are having problems writing a paper
• If you are having problems understanding how to do research
• If you don't understand how to use a computer
• If you are having problems with organization

Q: What do we tutor?

A: We always offer support in math, English, writing, computers, learning strategies, test taking skills, and critical thinking skills . However, other areas, such as chemistry, physics, and biology, vary by student tutors abilities and semester. Meet this semesters tutors and check out our tutoring schedule.

Q: When do we tutor?

A: Tutoring for math and computers is available on a walk-in basis. We encourage appointments for help with writing.

Q: How long do we tutor?

A: Tutors may work with one student for no more than two hours in a single session.

Q: Do you need an appointment or can you walk in for assistance?

A: Math and computer assistance is available on a walk-in basis. Writing, study skills, and other support areas require an appointment.

Q: What should you bring to tutoring?

A: You will need to bring:

• YOUR CLASS TEXTBOOK 
  Why? 
  It's important for the tutor to see exactly what you are studying and how. Each book, class, and instructor can be different.
• YOUR CLASS SYLLABUS (received in the beginning of the semester) 
  Why? 
  It's important for the tutor to see what the instructor assigned. Sometimes the tutor may understand something on the syllabus that you did not catch.
• CLASS NOTES, especially on your current assignment 
  Why? 
  Again, they help the tutor to understand exactly what your instructor assigned.
• ANY CLASS HANDOUTS 
  Why? 
  Again, they help the tutor to understand exactly what your instructor assigned and what the instructor expects of you
• YOUR INSTRUCTOR'S NAME AND THE TITLE OF YOUR CLASS 
  Why? 
  Each tutor must fill out a form for the Teaching and Learning Center. The tutor must list the name of each student tutored, the name of the class and the class number, the instructor's name, and the general information imparted. This information is strictly confidential and is used only for the TLC's reports.
• MOTIVATION 
  Why? 
  Without motivation, you will not be able to learn, retain information, or do your own work. Remember, your tutor cannot do your work for you.
  • • A GOOD, POSITIVE ATTITUDE 
      Why? 
      Those old wife's tales about having a positive attitude are true. Until recently, we didn't know why. Now, scientists have proven that if we believe that we can learn or do something, our brains will secrete a chemical helping us learn or do something. If we believe that we can't learn or do something, our brains will secrete a chemical helping us to not learn or do something. It turns out that our brains want to help us. It's up to us to point them in the right direction.

• Sherry Lee
  (MAT110, 116, 126, 141, 150, 205, 206, TRIG, CAL)
  • Mon 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Tue - Fri 7:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Katrina Hunley
  (MAT110, 116, 126, 141, 150, TRIG, CAL)
  • Tue - Fri 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Donna DePasquale
  (MAT110, 116, 126, 141, 150, TRIG)
  • Tue/Thu 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Connie Logsdon
  (MAT110, 116, 126, 141, 150, TRIG)
  • Tue/Thu - 12:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• Brian Thomas
  (MAT110, 116, 126, 141, 150, TRIG)
  • Mon/Wed 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Mohandass Kannan
  (MAT110, 116, 126, 141, 150, TRIG, CAL)
  • Wed 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • Thu 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Fri 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
• Daniel Northenor
  (MAT110, 116, 126, 141, 150)
  Mon/Wed 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Thu 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• Matt Branham
  • Tue/Thur 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

• Sherry Lee
  • Mon – Fri 7:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Mohandass Kannan
  • Wed 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • Thu 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Fri 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
• Brandon Rapier (CIT120, CIT144, and CIT244)
  • Please email octc-tlc@kctcs.edu for an appointment.

• Lalitha Kannan
  • Thur - 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Ashton Millay
  
  • Mon/Wed 1:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Tue 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.